Every step in human progress, from the first feeble stirrings in the abyss of time, has been opposed by the great majority of men. Every valuable thing that has been added to the store of man's possessions has been derided by them when it was new, and destroyed by them when they had the power. They have fought every new truth ever heard of, and they have killed every truth-seeker who got into their hands.
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He that seeketh to be eminent amongst able men hath a great task; but that is ever good for the read more
He that seeketh to be eminent amongst able men hath a great task; but that is ever good for the public. But he that plots to be the only figure amongst ciphers is the decay of a whole age.
Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.
Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.
A mind that is fast is sick. A mind that is slow is sound. A mind that is still is read more
A mind that is fast is sick. A mind that is slow is sound. A mind that is still is divine.
When people are bored, it is primarily with their own selves that they are bored.
When people are bored, it is primarily with their own selves that they are bored.
The first thing a man will do for his ideals is lie.
The first thing a man will do for his ideals is lie.
...there is no alienation that a little power will not cure.
...there is no alienation that a little power will not cure.
It is the acquisition of skills in particular, irrespective of their utility, that is potent in making life meaningful. Since read more
It is the acquisition of skills in particular, irrespective of their utility, that is potent in making life meaningful. Since man has no inborn skills, the survival of the species has depended on the ability to acquire and perfect skills. Hence the mastery of skills is a uniquely human activity and yields deep satisfaction.
Again men have been kept back as by a kind of enchantment from progress in science by reverence for antiquity, read more
Again men have been kept back as by a kind of enchantment from progress in science by reverence for antiquity, by the authority of men counted great in philosophy, and then by general consent.
...the evils of mankind are caused, not by the primary aggressiveness of individuals, but by their self-transcending identification with groups read more
...the evils of mankind are caused, not by the primary aggressiveness of individuals, but by their self-transcending identification with groups whose common denominator is low intelligence and high emotionality.
